Heddle frame assembly with releasable end

ABSTRACT

A heddle frame has a pair of laterally extending slats and a pair of end braces connected to the slats to form a rectangular heddle frame. Each of the connections between the slats and the end braces includes an elongated opening defined within the end of the slat. The end brace includes an inwardly directed expansion foot configured on and extending essentially perpendicular from the end brace and having a width so as to be slidable within the elongated opening of the slat. A releasable locking member is configured to lock the extension foot within the slat in a locked position and to release the end brace from the slat in a released position, the locking member is disposed through the extreme outward edge of the slat and extends into the elongated opening of the slat. In one embodiment, the end brace is secured directly to the slat by a threaded bolt extending through the extreme outward edge of the slat. In an alternative embodiment, the end brace is indirectly secured to the slat by a threaded bolt and clamp block which is received within the slat. The clamp block defines a recess for receiving the inwardly directed extension foot of the end brace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to high speed weaving machines or looms,and more particularly to the heddle frames used in such high speedweaving machines.

Typically, heddle frames used in high speed weaving looms comprise apair of end braces configured with a pair of laterally extending railsor slats. The connection between the end braces and slats is criticalfor proper operation of the weaving machines and has been a source ofpersistent problems in the field. In the past, the end braces have beenrigidly attached to the top and bottom of the slates. The end braceswere then free to slide in a guiding groove on a support of the weavingmachine to form a shed during weaving operations. With the advent ofhigh speed weaving machines, which may make as many as six hundred ormore sheds per minute, the reciprocating motion of the heddle frame wasvery rapid and the inertia of the heddle frame, owing to its weight, wasvery great. This caused frequent breaking of the heddle frames,particularly at the connection between the end braces and top and bottomslats.

Conventionally, the top and bottom slats of the heddle frame have beenmade of lightweight hollow aluminum beams. The end braces are thenfitted to the hollow aluminum beams. However, the aluminum slats orrails are subjective to a substantial amount of bending which exerts aflexing movement on the connection between the end braces and the slats.This flexing action results in fatigue of the components comprising theconnection between the end braces and the slats, thereby causingfrequent failure of the heddle frames.

Several attempts have been made to provide improved heddle frames. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,526 describes a quick release connectionprovided between the end braces and the laterally extending cross rails.This device utilizes a connector which is fixed within an opening in thecross rail having means for compressively gripping a projection whichextends at a right angle from the end brace.

Another attempt to overcome the problems with conventional heddle framesis shown in U.S. Pat No. 4,022,252. In this patent, the end brace has ametal core, a portion of which is covered with plastic to provideadditional strength. A pair of joining pieces project from thestrengthened portion of the core of the end brace as one body and form atapered groove there between. These projections extend into the hollowbody of the cross rail. The end brace is anchored to the cross rails bymeans of a wedge shaped member which is attached to the end brace byscrews. The wedge shaped member enters the tapered groove formed by theprojecting pieces so as to force the projecting pieces against the sidewalls of the cross rail, thereby locking the end brace firmly to thecross rail.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,159 describes a heddle frame wherein the end braceis joined to the cross rail by means of a plastic projection whichextends into the hollow space of the cross rail and is pinned to thecross rail by a single pin which permits the projection to pivot aboutthe pin thereby providing a flexible joint. A packing material is packedin the space between the end brace and across rail. This device permitsflexibility of the joint but cannot be readily disassembled for drawingin of the work yarns or for replacement of component parts.

Thus, although a number of attempts have been made to provide a morereliable connection between the end brace and cross rails, suchconnections have only been achieved through relatively complicated andnot easily disassembled connecting assemblies which do not provideadequate strength for the frame. For example, conventional connectingscrews that extend through the end brace in a parallel or perpendiculardirection tend to create relatively high stress points which aresusceptible to failure in a relatively short time. Additionally, thelocation of drive elements on modern weaving machines overlaps andthereby prevents the use of several existing screw locations ofconventional connecting assemblies.

The present invention provides a quick change end brace connectionhaving extremely high fatigue resistance that eliminates the knowndisadvantages as discussed above.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principle object of the present invention to provide an improvedheddle frame having a quick change connecting assembly between the endbraces and lateral slats wherein replacement of parts and drawing in ofwarped yarns is facilitated with minimum structural components.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heddle frameconnecting assembly which is able to absorb the loads and internalstresses created in high speed weaving machines without fatigue failureof the components thereof.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a readilydisassembled connecting assembly for a heddle frame which mayincorporate conventional drive elements thereby eliminating multiplicityof components and unnecessary weight.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

In accordance with the invention, the heddle frame is provided having apair of laterally extending slats and a pair of end braces connected tothe slats to form a generally rectangular frame. The lateral slats haveelongated openings or recesses defined within the ends thereof.Preferably, the slats are hollow. The end braces include an inwardlydirected extension foot formed thereon generally where the end bracemeets the slat. The extension foot has the width so as to be slidablewithin the elongated opening in the slat. A single locking member isoperably configured to lock the extension foot within the slat in atightened position and to release the end brace from the slat in aloosened position. The locking member is disposed through the extremeoutward edge of the slat and extends into the elongated opening of theslat In a preferred embodiment, the locking member comprises a threadedbolt, or like threaded instrument.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking memberphysically engages with the extension foot formed on the end brace. Inthis embodiment, the extension foot may comprise a hole defined thereinfor receiving the bolt. The extension foot may further include a metalinsert carried therein, the bolt extending through the hole into themetal insert for threaded engagement therewith.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking member mayindirectly engage with the extension foot of the end brace through anindependent clamp block. The clamp block has a width so as to beslidable within the elongated opening within the end of the slat andincludes a recess defined therein for receiving the extension foot. Thelocking member physically engages the clamp block to secure the clampblock relative to the slat. In this manner, the extension foot is inturn secured within the clamp block recess and thereby fixed relative tothe slat. Preferably, the clamp block recess and extension foot compriseadjacent slanted surfaces, or dove-tail sections. These slanted surfacesprevent the end brace from being pulled away from the slat once thelocking member is tightened.

Preferably, the drive element of the heddle frame is incorporated withthe connecting assembly. For example, the drive element may comprise aelement which is formed on the extreme end of the end brace, preferablyformed integral therewith. In an alternative embodiment, the driveelement is disposed along a portion of the edge of the slat. In thisembodiment, the locking member also locks the drive element to the slat.For example, the locking member may extend through the drive element andslat and into the extension foot in one embodiment, and into the clampblock in an alternative embodiment.

Whichever embodiment of the clamp block, drive element, or lockingmember, the end brace is easily separable from the slat merely byremoving or loosening the locking member. For example, where the lockingmember comprises a threaded bolt or quick disconnect bolt, it needmerely be loosened to separate the end brace from the slat. For example,in the embodiment wherein the clamp block is used to secure theextension, the threaded bolt is loosened to an extent wherein the endbrace extension is released from the clamp block recess. In theembodiment wherein the threaded bolt extends through a hole in theextension foot into the metal insert carried thereby, the threaded boltis loosened and removed to allow the end brace to be withdrawn from theslat. In the embodiment wherein the clamp block is utilized, the blockmay include an elongated relatively flexible portion rigidly connectedto the slat. In this embodiment, the locking member can be loosened sothat the end brace can be separated from the slat while the clamp blockremains connected within the slat, the elongated flexible elementallowing enough movement of the clamp block within the slat so as torelease the extension foot from the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heddle frame in general;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-a-way view of a connecting assembly utilized inthe heddle frame of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a through 3c illustrate the sequential operation of theconnecting assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut-a-way view of an alternative embodimentof the connecting assembly;

FIG. 5 conceptionally illustrates the operation of the device of FIG. 4;and

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the connecting assembly according tothe invention wherein the locking member directly engages the extensionfoot of the end brace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which areillustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thenumbering of components in the drawings is consistent throughout theapplication, with the same components having the same number in each ofthe drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the present invention includesa heddle frame 10. As is commonly understood, heddle frame 10 includes apair of laterally extending slats 12 between a pair of end braces 14.The slats are connected to the end braces to form a generallyrectangular frame. Slats 12 include an elongated opening 16 definedwithin the end of the slat. Preferably, slats 12 are formed of aluminumand are hollow. In this case, opening 16 extends throughout the entirelength of slat 12. Slats 12 may also be formed of any suitable lightweight rigid material.

End braces 14 according to the invention may also be formed of aluminum.In a preferred embodiment, end braces 14 are formed of a reinforcedcomposite material, for example a fiber reinforced plastic material. Anynumber of such materials are known in the art and may be suitable forthe present invention. End braces 14 have an inwardly directed extensionfoot 18 configured thereon. Foot 18 is preferably formed integral withend brace 14 but, may comprise a separate component fixed thereto. Foot18 is inwardly extending in that it is preferably oriented perpendicularto the longitudinal line of the end brace and is directed inwardlytowards the interior of the heddle frame 10. Foot 18 also has a widthwhich is less than the opening 16 defined in slat 12. In this manner,foot 18 is slidable within slat 12.

Extension foot 18 can take on any manner of shape. However, in preferredembodiments of the invention, foot 18 has at least one slanted or angledsurface 38, as particularly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Surface 38 is angledor slanted with respect to a horizontal line drawn through the extensionfoot 18. Surface 38 may be considered as a dove-tail or partialdove-tail configuration. Although the figures only depict one side offoot 18 as having such a slanted or angled surface, it is within thescope of the invention that any number of the sides of 18 be formed withthe inner locking slanted surface. For example, the entire extensionfoot 18 may be configured as a dove-tail or like configuration. As willbe explained further on, extension foot 18 comprises the element bywhich end brace 14 is indirectly fixed to slat 12. Depending on themanner in which foot 18 is secured within end brace 12, any manner ofconfiguration or shape of foot 18 is possible.

The invention also includes a releasable locking member, generally 20,which is operably configured to lock extension foot 18 within slat 12 ina locked position thereof, and to easily and readily release end brace14 from slat 12 when in a released or unlocked position. Locking member20 is disposed through the extreme outward edge 22 of the slat andextends into elongated opening 16 of slat 12, as particularly seen inFIGS. 2 and 3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, lockingmember 20 comprises a threaded bolt 24. Bolt 24 may comprise for, forexample, a hex bolt. However, it should be understood that any manner ofengaging or locking pin or like device may be used.

In one preferred embodiment, bolt 24 directly physically engagesextension foot 18 of end brace 14. This embodiment is particularlyillustrated in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, extension foot 18 includesan upper facing surface 25 which, when foot 18 is inserted within slat12, is adjacent the outer edge 22 of slat 12. A hole 26 is defined infoot 18 for receipt of threaded bolt 24. Bolt 24 extends through theedge 22 of slat 12 into foot 18. To increase the reliability of bolt 24and provide a better biting surface therefor, a metal insert 28 ispreferably embedded within foot 18. Insert 28 has a threaded holedefined therein for receipt of bolt 24. In an alternative embodimenthowever, hole 26 within foot 18 may itself be threaded.

Typically, drive elements 30 for the heddle frames 10 are disposed atsome position along the top of the heddle frames. For example, driveelement 30 may be formed at the extreme end of end brace 14, asparticularly seen in FIG. 2, or may be disposed along a section of theedge 22 of slat 12. Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, in the embodimentsof the heddle frame wherein the drive element 30 is disposed along theslat 12, typically bolts 24 are used to secure the drive element to theslat 12. With the present invention, the bolt 24 serves the dual purposeof also securing the end brace to the slat by way of the end braceextension foot 18. The end brace is easily and readily separable fromslat 12 by simply removing bolt 24 in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

In alternative preferred embodiments of the invention as shown in FIGS.2 through 5, locking member or bolt 24 secures or fixes extension foot18 within slat 12 indirectly through means of an independent clamp block32. Clamp block 32 is preferably formed of aluminum or some other stronglightweight material and has a recess 34 formed therein. Recess 34essentially defines a receiving space for extension foot 18, as isparticularly seen in the series of FIG. 3. Preferably, recess 34includes at least one slanted or angled surface 36 which essentiallymatches surface 38 of foot 18. Depending upon the shape of foot 18,recess 34 can take on any manner of corresponding shape. Clamp block 32includes a threaded bolt hole 54 defined therein for receipt of thethreaded bolt 24.

The operation of the clamp block for indirectly securing end brace 14 toslat 12 is particularly illustrated in the series of FIG. 3. FIG. 3aillustrates the end brace 14 separated from slat 12. Bolt 24 is in itsloosened or released state so that clamp block 32 is not drawn againstthe upper edge 22 of slat 12. It should be noted that it is notnecessary to completely remove bolt 24 from clamp block 32 in order toremove or separate end brace 14 from slat 12.

FIG. 3b illustrates the process of securing the end brace relative tothe slat. Extension foot 18 is inserted within opening 16 of the slat sothat the top surface of foot 18 generally abuts upper edge 22 of slat12. Bolt 24 is then tightened which draws clamp block 32 upwards towardedge 22 of slat 12. In so doing, slanted edges 36 and 38 meet and clampblock 32 tends to draw foot 18 upward and inward with respect to slat12. FIG. 3c illustrates the components in their locked or assembledposition. With the clamp block 32 drawn completely against upper edge22, foot 18 is secured within recess 34 of the clamp lock and securelyheld within slat 12. The slanted edges 38 and 36 prevent end brace 14from being pulled away from slat 12.

It should be understood that the invention would still function withoutthe slanted surfaces 38 and 36 but would be less reliable. For example,if the engaging surfaces between the foot 18 and clamp block 32 werecompletely horizontal, end brace 14 would still be fixed to slat 12 bythe action of clamp block 32 forcing the foot against upper edge 22 ofthe slat. However, end brace 14 might be separated or pulled apart fromslat 12 in this arrangement since a locking or engagement surface is notprovided. Thus, it is preferred to provide foot 18 with a lockingengagement surface and to define a recess within the clamp block 32matching the locking engaging surface of the foot. For example, foot 18may be defined as a dove tail with recess 34 being defined as acomplimenting dove tail recess. In this manner, the foot, and thus endbrace, is secured relative to slat 12 and end brace 14 cannot belaterally pulled away from slat 12.

Preferably, clamp block 32 also includes a rocker point 52 defined alongthe top surface thereof. Referring particularly to the series of FIG. 3,it is illustrated that rocker point 52 provides a pivot point for theclamp block wherein as the block 32 is pulled upwardly by means oftightening bolt 24, the clamp block 32 tends to rotate to a degree aboutrocker 0.52, This action causes the clamp block 32 to cant within theslat 12 and thereby pulls extension foot 18 inwardly within recess 16 ofslat 12.

As mentioned above, with the embodiment of the invention utilizing theclamp block 32 as described, locking member 24 may also comprise thebolt or locking member utilized to secure a drive element 30 along theedge of slat 12. Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, bolt 24extends through an extension of drive element 30, through the edge 22 ofslat 12, and into the threaded hole 54 defined within clamp block 32. Inthe embodiment illustrated, clamp block 32 may further comprise arelatively long thin and flexible component 40. By way of element 40,clamp block 10 is more or less permanently secured to upper edge 22while still allowing separation of end brace 14 from slat 12 by stillonly loosening or removing the single locking member 24. Element 40provides enough flexibility to allow the clamp block 32 to have a degreeof vertical movement within recess 16 whereby extension foot 18 can bepulled away from recess 34, as particularly shown in FIG. 5. Thisarrangement may be preferred when, for example, two bolts 24, 56 areutilized to secure drive element 30 to slat 12. In any event, end brace14 is still separable from slat 12 merely by loosening the singlelocking member.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Forinstance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment,can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modificationsand variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heddle frame having a pair of laterallyextending slats and a pair of end braces connected to said slats to forma generally rectangular frame, wherein each of the connections betweensaid slats and said end braces comprises:an elongated opening definedwithin the end of said slats; an inwardly directed extension footconfigured on and extending essentially perpendicular from said endbrace, said extension foot having a width so as to be slidable withinsaid elongated opening of said slat; and a single releasable lockingmember operably configured to lock said extension foot within said slatin a locked position and to release said end brace from said slat in areleased position, said locking member disposed through an outward edgeof said slat and extending into said elongated opening of said slat,said extension foot comprising a hole defined therein for receiving saidlocking member and further comprising an insert carried therein, saidlocking member extending through said hole into said insert for lockingengagement with said insert.
 2. The heddle frame as in claim 1, whereinsaid locking member comprises a threaded bolt.
 3. The heddle frame as inclaim 2, wherein said insert comprises a metal insert having a threadedhole defined therein.
 4. The heddle frame as in claim 1, furthercomprising a drive element configured on an extreme end of said endbrace.
 5. The heddle frame as in claim 1, further comprising a driveelement configured along said outward edge of said slat, said lockingmember also securing said drive element to said slat.
 6. A heddle framehaving a pair of laterally extending slats and a pair of end bracesconnected to said slats to form a rectangular frame, wherein each of theconnections between said slats and said end braces comprises:anelongated opening defined within the end of said slats; an inwardlydirected extension foot configured on said end brace generally wheresaid end brace meets said slat, said extension foot being sized so as tobe slidable within said elongated opening of said slat, said extensionfoot further comprising an engagement surface; an independent clampblock having a width so as to be slidable within said elongated opening,said clamp block further defining a locking surface which is mateablewith said extension foot engagement surface in such a manner so thatwhen said clamp block is secured within said slat said clamp blocklocking surface engages with said extension foot engagement surfacelocking said end brace to said slat; and at least one securing devicedisposed through an outward edge of said slat and configured to securesaid extension foot within said slat by . .engaging.!. .Iadd.engagingly.Iaddend.drawing said clamp block towards said outward edge of saidslat, wherein said end brace is separable from said slat by loosening ofsaid securing device.
 7. The heddle frame as in claim 6, wherein saidend brace extension foot comprises a shaped element formed integral withsaid end brace, said extension foot engagement surface comprising anangled side with respect to a horizontal line through said foot, saidclamp block locking surface comprising an angled surface generallyopposite to said extension foot angled side.
 8. The heddle frame as inclaim 7, wherein said shaped element is formed as a partial dove-tailelement, said clamp block locking surface formed as a matching partialdove-tail recess.
 9. The heddle frame as in claim 6, wherein said clampblock comprises a recess formed therein for receiving said extensionfoot.
 10. The heddle frame as in claim 6, wherein said securing devicecomprises a threaded member extending through the outward edge of saidslat end into said clamp block, whereby as said clamp block is drawntowards said outward edge of said slat by way of said threaded membersaid clamp block locking surface engages said extension foot engagementsurface and draws and locks said end brace against said slat.
 11. Theheddle frame as in claim 10, wherein said clamp block further comprisesa rocker point defined along the surface thereof adjacent said outwardedge of said slat, said rocker point spaced apart from said threadedmember so that said clamp block pivots about said rocker point as it isdrawn towards said slat end.
 12. The heddle frame as in claim 10,wherein said threaded member includes a removable bolt, said clamp blockincluding a threaded bolt hole defined therein for receiving said bolt.13. The heddle frame as in claim 6, further comprising a drive elementfixed to said end brace.
 14. The heddle frame as in claim 13, whereinsaid drive element is formed integral with said end brace.
 15. Theheddle frame as in claim 6, further comprising a drive element connectedto said slat generally adjacent said end brace, said securing devicesecuring said drive element to said slat and said clamp block.
 16. Theheddle frame as in claim 15, wherein said clamp block includes aninwardly directed relatively flexible extension member, and a secondsaid securing device configured to secure said drive element to saidslat and said flexible extension member, whereby said end brace can bepulled away from said clamp block by releasing of said one securingmember while said second securing member maintains said drive element,said slat, and said flexible extension member secured together.
 17. Theheddle frame as in claim 6, wherein said clamp block is adapted toremain connected to said slate while said securing device is loosened.18. The heddle frame as in claim 17, wherein said securing devicecomprises a threaded bolt which engages in a threaded hole defined insaid clamp block, whereby upon loosening of said bolt said end brace isseparable from said slat with said bolt still engaging said clamp block.19. The heddle frame as in claim 17, further comprising a second saidsecuring device securing said clamp block to said slat, wherein saidclamp block is separable from said end brace by loosening of said onesecuring device while said clamp block remains connected to said slatthrough said second securing device.
 20. An assembly for connectingtogether slats and end braces to form a heddle frame, said assemblycomprising:an end brace extension adapted to be configured to an endbrace and having a width so as to be slidable within a hollow recessdefined within a heddle slat; a releasable locking device adapted to bedisposed through an outward edge of the heddle slat; and a clamp blockhaving a width so as to also slide within said hollow recess, said clampblock comprising a recess defined therein for receiving said end braceextension, said locking device physically engaging with said clamp blockwherein said clamp block is configured to be drawn against said slatthereby locking said end brace extension within said recess fixing saidend brace relative said slat.
 21. The assembly as in claim 20, whereinsaid clamp block recess defines a slanted surface, said end braceextension defines a matching slanted surface, and said locking devicecomprises a threaded member for drawing said clamp block against theheddle slat.
 22. The assembly as in claim 20, further comprising a driveelement configured to be connected to the heddle end brace.
 23. Theassembly as in claim 20, further comprising a separable drive elementconfigured to be connected to said heddle slat, said locking devicesecuring said drive element and said clamp block to the heddle slat. 24.The assembly as in claim 23, wherein said locking device comprises athreaded bolt, said end brace extension being separable from said clampblock recess by loosening of said threaded bolt.
 25. The assembly as inclaim 24, further comprising a second threaded bolt configured to securesaid drive element and said clamp block to the heddle slat, said endbrace extension being separable from said clamp block recess byloosening one of said bolts.
 26. The assembly as in claim 20, whereinsaid clamp block further comprises a rocker point defined on the surfacethereof said rocker point defining a protruding pivot point for saidclamp block. .Iadd.
 27. A heddle frame having a pair of laterallyextending slats and a pair of end braces connected to said slats to forma generally rectangular frame, wherein each of the connections betweensaid slats and said end braces comprises:an elongated opening definedwithin the end of said slats; an inwardly directed extension foodconfigured on and extending essentially perpendicular from said endbrace, said extension foot having a width so as to be slidable withinsaid elongated opening of said slat; and at least one releasable lockingmember operably configured to lock said extension foot within said slatin a locked position and to release said end brace from said slat in areleased position, said locking member disposed through an outward edgeof said slat and extending into said elongated opening of said slat,said extension foot comprising a hole defined therein for receiving saidlocking member and further comprising an insert carried therein, saidlocking member extending through said hole into said insert for lockingengagement with said insert. .Iaddend.